Reborn Through Fire

Chapter 1577

Gilbert's eyes remained open, locked on her throughout the night, only succumbing to sleep as dawn broke. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

As his breathing finally steadied, she cautiously opened her eyes.

In silence, she studied the striking face forever etched in her heart, her slender fingers delicately tracing the contours of his features in the air. After an eternity, she gently disentangled herself from his embrace and gingerly rose from the bed. As she opened the door, she could not help but steal one last glance at the man lying in bed. His slumbering face still bore a tormented expression, a shadow of anguish furrowed between his brows.

‘Perhaps, once I'm gone, his life will gradually find light,' she mused, her eyes brimming with heart- wrenching longing and

‘May happiness find you for the rest of your life,' she whispered in her mind. Then, with a faint, trembling smile in his direction, she turned and silently left the room.

She went to the children's room to check on them. The morning was still dark, and the children were sleeping soundly. Kisa tiptoed over. Ada had been frightened the day before and now sought comfort among her siblings. In truth, Blake was younger than Ada, but he had resolutely declared himself her big brother, vowing to protect and cherish her. As she gazed upon the three children's sweet, innocent faces, Kisa felt a pang of bittersweet tenderness.

Tears choking her words, she caressed the children's heads and whispered, "I'm not the mother you deserve. I haven't been with you for long, and now I have to leave again. You must listen to your daddy, don't make him angry. You all must grow up happy and healthy. Mommy... loves you, more than you will ever know."

Kisa sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze lingering on the three children for an eternity. As the first sliver of dawn broke through the darkness, she finally mustered the strength to stand up and silently left the room. As she reached the top of the stairs, her heart raced at the sudden sound of soft footsteps behind her. She quickly spun around, her eyes meeting Blake's intense stare.

Kisa forced a reassuring smile. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Did I wake you up?”

Blake shook his head, his bare feet swiftly carrying him toward her.

“Mommy... he whispered, gripping her hand, his small face etched with sadness and fear. "Are you leaving us? Don't you want to be with me anymore?"

Kisa's heart clenched. This sensitive child always knew how to tug at her heartstrings. She gently caressed his head. "I will always love you, Blake. I could never stop wanting to be with you."

“But you're still planning to leave, aren't you?" He persisted, his wide, dark eyes seeming to pierce her soul. "To leave Daddy and us?

Tears welled up in Kisa's eyes, betraying her emotions. "Yes, I have to leave for a little while."

Blake quickly asked, "For how long? When will you come back? Does Daddy know?"

Kisa shook her head. “Please, don't wake Daddy. He just fell asleep.

Blake nodded. "So, Mommy, when will you come back?" He genuinely believed she would only be gone for a short time, like a business trip.

Yet, the thought of returning had never crossed her mind. Kisa's heart ached with sorrow and guilt as she looked at Blake's wise but frightened expression. The complexities of the adult world were beyond Blake's comprehension, and she did not even know how to begin explaining it to him.

Sensing her inner turmoil and sadness, the perceptive child made a heart-wrenching offer. "Mommy, I'll go with you.”